Mrs. Eleanor Ruth Steen

Eleanor Ruth Steen, age 94 of Zeeland, formerly of Grand Rapids, died Sunday, May 31, 2015. She is survived by her children: Dr. Tom Steen and Dr. Carol Cook of Grand Forks, ND, Mary and Dr. Dale Terpstra of Holland, and Laurie Steen Pounder of New Era, MI; grandchildren: Ben Steen, Sam and Erin Steen, Molly Steen, Andrew and Ashley Terpstra and Jake Terpstra; great grandchildren: Hunter Steen, Luke and Landon Steen, Sheridan and Blake Steen and Oliver Terpstra. Eleanor was preceded in death by her husband Barney in 2005 and her daughter-in-law Dr. Libby Rankin in 2007. She grew up in Grand Rapids where she attended Christian schools and Calvin College. She continued her education at the Butterworth School of Nursing, graduating with her R.N. degree in 1943. She married Barney Steen in 1943. After WWII, they moved to the Paterson, New Jersey area, where they started a family. In 1953 they moved to Grand Rapids where Barney took a position at Calvin College as a faculty member and coach. In Grand Rapids, Eleanor ("Aunt Heety" hosted numerous nieces and nephews from New Jersey and all the Calvin basketball teams of that era. She was also a member of the Garden Club and the Ladies Literary Club in Grand Rapids. In their retirement Eleanor and Barney moved to their cottage on Lake Michigan. They were members of Trinity Lutheran Church there, where she was active with quilters and the Women's Society. She also volunteered at the Oceana Veterans Facility and was a member of the Pentwater Garden Club. In 2004, after moving to Zeeland, Eleanor read widely, studied the Wall Street Journal, rang the bell for the Salvation Army, and encouraged laughter and good cheer at Royal Park Place. A memorial service will be held at 6:00 pm, Thursday, June 25, 2015, at North Street Christian Reformed Church, 20 East Main Avenue, Zeeland MI 49464. The Reverend Shaun Furniss will officiate. A time to gather and greet the Steen family will be from 5:00-5:45 pm, prior to the service at North Street CRC. Memorial contributions may be given in Eleanor's honor to the Barney Steen Scholarship at Calvin College, or the Quilters of Trinity Lutheran Church in New Era, MI. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Yntema Funeral Home, 251 S. State Street, Zeeland MI 49464. www.yntemafh.com

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Mrs. Eleanor Ruth Steen

October 27, 1920 - May 31, 2015